Ken Bates sold the club to Roman Abramovich and the Russian effectively bankrolled Chelsea's new era of glory. The club had an embarrassment of riches on the field. Domestic giants such as Joe Cole, Lampard and Terry were joined by Carvalho, Cech, Drogba, Makalele, and Robben. However, Abramovich was not easily pleased as a host of illustrious managers were hired and fired at regular intervals.

2003-04: Chelsea finished second. They conceded less goals at home and won more away matches than any other club, including the so-called 'invincibles.'

Best result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 CHELSEA 5 (Lampard and Hasselbaink scored the first-half goals. Duff added a third and Crespo scored two more.)